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Frequently Asked Questions

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01

General

About Punda Africa and how to reach us.

What is Punda Africa?

Punda Africa is an online sourcing and logistics platform based in Kampala. We handle everything after you find a product on a China marketplace — buying, quality inspection, shipping, customs clearance and delivery to your door in Uganda.

Where are you based, and do you deliver across Uganda?

We're based on William Street, Kampala, and deliver door-to-door anywhere in Uganda once your shipment clears customs.

How do I contact you?

WhatsApp or call 0782 810368, email info@punda.africa, or use the Request a Quote form on this site. Support is available 24/7.

02

Buying & Sourcing

Which platforms to use and how ordering works.

Which platforms can I buy from?

Any product from 1688.com, Alibaba.com, AliExpress.com or Made-in-China.com. Send us the link and we'll take it from there.

Do I need an account on 1688, Alibaba, AliExpress or Made-in-China?

No. You just need the product link or a description of what you want — we handle the account, ordering and payment on those platforms.

Is there a minimum order size?

No minimum for individual items sent by air. For sea freight, it's most cost-effective above roughly 100kg — we'll advise on the best method for your order.

Can you source a product for me if I don't have a link?

Yes. Describe what you need — with photos or specs if you have them — and we'll find and quote suppliers for you.

Can I get a sample before ordering in bulk?

In most cases yes — tell us it's a sample order when you send the link, and we'll confirm with the supplier before paying.

03

Payments

How you pay, and how we pay suppliers in China.

Do I need a Chinese bank account or Alipay?

No. You pay Punda Africa locally in Uganda shillings, and we settle the supplier in China on your behalf — including suppliers who don't accept international cards.

What payment methods do you accept?

Mobile money and bank transfer within Uganda.

How do I know the price I'm quoted is fair, with no hidden fees?

Every quote breaks down three parts — product cost, our service fee, and freight/customs — before you pay anything. Nothing is added afterward.

04

Shipping & Delivery

Timelines, freight options and tracking.

How long does shipping take?

Air freight typically takes 7–14 days, while sea freight takes 30–45 days, depending on volume and customs processing.

What's the difference between air and sea freight?

Air is faster and priced by weight — best for urgent or lightweight orders. Sea is slower but more economical, priced by volume — best for bulk or heavier shipments.

Can I combine orders from different suppliers into one shipment?

Yes. We warehouse your items in China and consolidate multiple orders into a single shipment to save on freight cost.

Can I track my order?

Yes — you'll get updates at each stage: payment confirmed, warehoused, shipped, and out for delivery.

05

Customs & Safety

Clearance, quality checks and how we protect your order.

Do you handle customs clearance?

Yes — URA documentation and clearance are handled for you, and the cost is included in your shipping quote.

What if the product arrives damaged or isn't what I ordered?

Goods are inspected at our China warehouse before shipping. If something's wrong at that stage, we resolve it with the supplier before it ever leaves China.

How do you verify suppliers?

We check supplier ratings and order history before paying, and flag anything that looks unreliable before you commit to an order.

06

Quotes & Support

Requesting a quote and what happens after.

How long until I hear back after requesting a quote?

Usually within 24 hours. For a faster reply, message us directly on WhatsApp.

Do I have to pay anything to request a quote?

No — quotes are free, and you're under no obligation to proceed once you receive one.

Can I request a quote for more than one product at once?

Yes — list all the links or items in the same request, or follow up on WhatsApp and we'll combine them into one quote.

Still have a question?

Our team replies on WhatsApp faster than email — usually within minutes during business hours.

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